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Law enforcement is warning Mower County residents to be on the lookout for a new phone scam claiming to offer pain relief medicine.

According to Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik, the Austin Chamber of Commerce received a report from an Austin resident about an unsolicited call from “the clinic” attempting to sell the individual pain relief cream. The caller seemed to know about the individual’s pain-causing health issues. The reporting party said they hung up and did not provide any personal information.

“We are asking that the public be aware of this latest scam and be reminded to be vigilant, to not give personal information over the phone, internet, email, or other unsolicited communications, and to report the suspicious contacts,” Sandvik said.

The Mower County Emergency Operations Center has also reported that some residents have received text messages claiming they have been exposed to COVID-19 and telling them to report to the Emergency Room Department.

“Public Health and Mayo will not be communicating to residents through text message,” said Mower County Emergency Manager Amy Lammey. “If you receive a message, check with public health (507 437-9701) or Mayo Health System – Austin (507 433-8758).”

Mayo Health System also has a website for COVID-19 information, https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/covid19.